Fall means pumpkin patch visits with loved ones and indulging in seasonal treats at your favorite coffee shop. The leaves are changing, and so are the activities Helena has to offer. Whether you’re strolling through the historic Mansion District or embarking on a crisp hike up Mount Helena, autumn here is filled with adventure and beauty. Here are some of the best ways to experience fall in Helena.
Pumpkin Patches
Fall has arrived, and that means Edgewater Farms is back with their annual Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze, running from September 20th to October 26th! Gather your family and friends, and head down to Townsend for a quintessential autumn experience. In addition to the corn maze and pumpkin patch, there’s a variety of fun activities for everyone to enjoy, including hay rides, a giant slide, a jumping pillow, straw bale castle, balloon creations, and plenty of fall-themed photo ops. Don’t miss out on the photo scavenger hunt for added adventure. As an extra treat, indulge in seasonal snacks and goodies while you’re there. Edgewater Farms is open Fridays from 4pm-9pm and Saturdays from 11am- 9pm, so make sure to mark your calendars. See you at the farm!
Learn more: https://www.edgewaterfarmsmt.com/
Applestem Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch is also open this season from now until October 27th. There is a 10 acre corn maze and other activities that are perfect for all anyone and everyone! This is located right outside of Craig, MT; between Helena and Great Falls. They will be open Friday from 5pm-9pm, Saturday from 1pm-9pm and Sunday from 1pm-6pm. Along with the corn maze and pumpkin patch, there will be games, slides, human foosball, ball zones.
Learn more: https://www.applestemcornmaze.com/
Fall Coffee & Bakery Must Haves
Nothing says “fall” quite like savoring a seasonal treat—whether it’s a pumpkin spice latte or a freshly baked autumn pastry, it’s the perfect way to welcome the season! Stop by local favorites like Park Avenue Bakery, Vanilla Bean, or Montago (we’re especially fond of their homemade real pumpkin spice latte!) for a cozy indulgence, or brave the crisp morning air to snag something from Cotton-Top Pastries on Friday or Saturday—before they sell out! Enjoying a fall-inspired drink or treat not only embraces the season, but also supports Helena’s cherished local businesses.
Visit: https://www.parkavenuebakery.net/
https://vanillabeanhelena.com/
https://www.montagocoffee.com/
https://www.cottontoppastries.com/
Tizer Gardens
The Tizer Botanic Gardens & Arboretum is *the* place to experience fall colors in all their glory! Nestled in Jefferson City within the breathtaking Elkhorn Mountains, this gem offers more than half a mile of scenic trails—perfect for immersing yourself in the vibrant transformation of the season’s leaves. This tranquil fall getaway is perfect for anyone looking to connect with nature. From the peaceful Meditation Garden to the enchanting Rose Garden, each of the 14 distinct gardens foster a sense of discovery and serenity. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature this fall and enjoy the perfect outdoor activity at Tizer Botanic Gardens. They are open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM through October, weather permitting. General admission is $9 for adults and $7 for children ages 5 to 12.
Learn more: https://tizergardens.com/visit-2/
Scenic Drive or Walk through the Mansion District
Fall in Helena’s neighborhoods is a serene and picturesque experience. Take a leisurely stroll or scenic drive with your family through the historic Mansion District on the upper west side, where vibrant autumn leaves transform the streets with a golden glow. It’s the perfect way to soak in the season’s beauty and charm, while admiring the deep rooted history of Helena.
Visit a Brewery
Weekend fall activities wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a local brewery. Step out of your comfort zone and try some festive fall theme ales! Helena is home to several great spots, including Headwaters Crafthouse, Mt. Ascension Brewing, Blackfoot River Brewing Co., Lewis & Clark Brewing Co., and Ten Mile Creek Brewery, among others. Gather some friends and enjoy a delicious local beer to celebrate the season.
Vist: https://headwaterscrafthouse.com/
https://www.mtascensionbrewing.com/
https://blackfootriverbrewing.com/tap-room/
https://www.lewisandclarkbrewing.com/
https://www.tenmilecreekbrewing.com/
Hiking and Mountain Biking
With cooler temperatures arriving, now is the time to take advantage of this prime trail season and explore the 150+ miles of trails before winter sets in. Both Mount Helena and Mount Ascension offer fantastic opportunities for hiking and mountain biking, whether you’re out solo or with friends and family. The 1906 Trail to the summit of Mount Helena is a favorite for its well-maintained, easy-to-follow paths, but this season also offers ideal conditions for mountain bikers with a variety of loops to discover. Don’t miss this special window of mild weather—get outside and enjoy the crisp fall air while you can!
Learn more get familiar with the trails by using Prickly Pear’s interactive trail map: https://pricklypearlt.org/trails/
Thank you for visiting our blog! We’d love to hear how you enjoy the fall season. Leave a comment below and share your favorite fall activity with us!
